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Media Freedom Hero: Ana Gurdis from the Republic of Moldova

"Abrasive" - an intriguing title for a youth program. 22-year-old Ana and her young team produce the weekly 20-minute TV magazine from scratch and examine the media through a critical lens.

What do you do to support press freedom?

I present different points of view. Working as a trainer in a youth media center, I show young people all over the country how to approach news critically. That’s important in Moldova, as reporting here is often determined by the owners - that is, the oligarchs. I also help coordinate the weekly magazine program for young people, "Abraziv", which is aired on one of the public TV channels.

What motivates you to keep going?

During our workshops we notice how the kids begin to think differently, in a way that's more independent. That makes a huge difference and has an impact on me as well. Our constant discussions help me get to know myself better. Many people are leaving Moldova to try their luck somewhere else. Not me. I don't want to be anywhere else. This is my place. A place where I can make a difference.

What does your workplace look like?

I work in a team - a marvelous, inspiring team! Eight people work at our media center, with another 20 or so young people who help me broadcast our magazine program "Abraziv" every week. So I'm either running media skills workshops somewhere in the country, or I'm coordinating, filming and editing material for "Abraziv" in our media center in Chisinau.

How do you stay up to date?

Mainly through social media. I follow numerous institutions and organizations, so a lot of information appears on my timeline every day. And I love to talk - especially with unusual people. For example, on my way home, I'll sometimes stop and talk to homeless people or musicians on the street. Their stories are much more interesting than those of 'normal' people.

Where does your inspiration come from?

From spending time in the park. I pretty much grew up in the woods. My parents are with the armed forces, and until I was 21, I lived in a military community in the woods. That had a big impact, and nature is important for me. Now that I live in the city, I get my dose of nature in the parks. I also read a lot, constantly. Whenever I ride a bus, I have a book with me.

What do you do to support press freedom?

I present different points of view. Working as a trainer in a youth media center, I show young people all over the country how to approach news critically. That’s important in Moldova, as reporting here is often determined by the owners - that is, the oligarchs. I also help coordinate the weekly magazine program for young people, "Abraziv", which is aired on one of the public TV channels.

What motivates you to keep going?

During our workshops we notice how the kids begin to think differently, in a way that's more independent. That makes a huge difference and has an impact on me as well. Our constant discussions help me get to know myself better. Many people are leaving Moldova to try their luck somewhere else. Not me. I don't want to be anywhere else. This is my place. A place where I can make a difference.

What does your workplace look like?

I work in a team - a marvelous, inspiring team! Eight people work at our media center, with another 20 or so young people who help me broadcast our magazine program "Abraziv" every week. So I'm either running media skills workshops somewhere in the country, or I'm coordinating, filming and editing material for "Abraziv" in our media center in Chisinau.

How do you stay up to date?

Mainly through social media. I follow numerous institutions and organizations, so a lot of information appears on my timeline every day. And I love to talk - especially with unusual people. For example, on my way home, I'll sometimes stop and talk to homeless people or musicians on the street. Their stories are much more interesting than those of 'normal' people.

Where does your inspiration come from?

From spending time in the park. I pretty much grew up in the woods. My parents are with the armed forces, and until I was 21, I lived in a military community in the woods. That had a big impact, and nature is important for me. Now that I live in the city, I get my dose of nature in the parks. I also read a lot, constantly. Whenever I ride a bus, I have a book with me.